UFC on FOX 2 undercard steals the show with bevy of bonus-winning performances

The hype surrounding last night’s UFC on FOX 2 lineup was squarely planted on the tripleheader of tilts scheduled to take place on the popular network. However, by the end of the evening it was a group of preliminary fighters who came away with the card’s most spectacular showings and ultimately a handful of event-specific bonuses too.

Submission of the Night went to Charles Oliveira after the dynamic young Brazilian tapped out opponent Eric Wisely with the first Calf Crusher in UFC history. The hold came after a scramble on the ground left Wisely’s leg in an awkward position with Oliveira recognizing the situation and capitalizing by leaning back to torque the limb. Oliveira won an extra $65,000 on top of his regularly contracted rate for the distinction.

No doubt making the team at Strikeforce proud, heavyweight newcomer Lavar Johnson looked spectacular in his UFC debut after knocking out the typically iron-jawed Joey Beltran who also happened to be in the best shape of his UFC career. Johnson hurt Beltran early with a body shot then kept the pressure on for the next few minutes into a well-placed strike followed up by a few uppercuts left Beltran face-down on the mat. Like Oliveira, Johnson also earned a $65,000 check for his performance.

Last but not least, lightweights Evan Dunham and Nik Lentz battled it out for ten minutes before a doctor intervened to end things based on a badly cut/swollen eye-socket. While Dunham exited the Octagon with his hand raised both men left with $65,000 and Fight of the Night for their highly-entertaining effort.